Hosea 7:8 Ephraim, he has mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned. Hosea's composition epigrammatic and figurative. He compares Ephraim to "a silly dove," easily enticed into the net. When frightened, will not stay in the cot where she is safe. To "a wild ass alone" — foolish, headstrong, wilful "An empty vine" — "fruitless and useless." "A child" tenderly brought up, who turns pout rebellious. "A merchant," deceitful m his balances. A cake not turned, which, for want of turning is burnt on one side, and dough on the other side, but good for nothing on either side. Israel was not completely consecrated to God. I. GOD DEMANDS THE CONSECRATION OF MAN'S ENTIRE BEING. The cake should have been baked on both sides. Body, soul, time, possessions, should all be devoted to God. He claims it. The claim is based on — 1. What God is in Himself. 2. What He is relatively to us. 3. Our highest interests. The example of the best beings. II. SOME CONSECRATE TO GOD ONLY A PORTION OF THEIR BEING. Baked on one side only. This indicates — 1. Self-will. 2. Lack of supreme love to God. 3. Aversion to submission. 4. Love of present pleasure. 5. Ignorance of the ease of religious service. 6. Indecision of character. III. THE CONSECRATION OF ONLY A PORTION OF OUR BEING TO GOD WILL END IN DESTRUCTION. It is destructive of — 1. Complete devotion. 2. Force of character. 3. True usefulness. 4. Thorough enjoyment. 5. Final perseverance. 6. Future glory. (B. D, Johns.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned.WEB: Ephraim, he mixes himself among the nations. Ephraim is a pancake not turned over. |
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